Book Review with Featured Author: I Was Called Barabbas by M.D. House

I was Called Barabbas by M.D. House

 

 

Publisher & Release: Self-Published, September 25,2019

Time and setting:  Ancient Times, The Holy Land

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Length: 221 Pages

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

We know precious little of the man called Barabbas, a contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth. He is variously described in the historical record as thief, murderer, rebel, and notable Roman prisoner. His release by the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate was part of the supernal plan for the Christ to offer himself as the ultimate blood sacrifice, but it’s doubtful Barabbas understood any of that at the time.

Many have wondered what became of him, or rather, who he became after that fateful day. Someday we will know the answer, but in the meantime we can imagine that, like all of us, he too sought a path of personal redemption, imperfectly.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Was-Called-Barabbas-M-D-House-ebook

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-was-called-barabbas-md-house

 

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52540741-i-was-called-barabbas

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the author for the complimentary copy of I Was Called Barabbas by M.D. House. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.

 

I Was Called Barabbas is novel about  the thief and murderer Pontius Pilate released instead of Jesus Christ. This is a fictional depiction and is not based on Barabbas’ life. I found the story fascinating, and the pacing pulled me in from the beginning and kept me enmeshed until the end.

 

Barabbas is a Jew who lived in Jesus’ time. After he’s released, he flees and roams place to place until he finally returns to his home. He weds the young woman he loves and uses his skills as  tent maker to support his family. His wife is part of the people who believe Jesus is the son of God and that he died and rose from the dead. She is part of the community who follow the apostles of Jesus.

 

Barabbas has a belief system, but he is sure he can never be forgiven for his sins. He longs for the peace his wife has, but knows he can never have it. As the story progresses, he helps the Christians several times. This is a story of redemption and conversion. 

 

If you enjoy Christian Historical fiction with an amazing conversion story and characters who will touch your soul, then you will love I Was Called Barabbas as much as I did. I’m so glad I agreed to read this incredible novel. Happy reading! 

 

Author Bio:

 

MICHAEL HOUSE is the author of I Was Called Barabbas and Patriot Star. Before beginning his second career as a writer, he worked for twenty-five years in the world of corporate finance, strategic planning, and business development. Now, Michael lives in Utah with his wife, where he spends his time writing and enjoying his children and grandchildren. Learn more about Michael and his work at www.mdhouselive.com.

 

PRAISE:

 

“A very interesting and fun read. Mr. House must have done a lot of research into the politics and history of the day to really make you feel like you were living at the time. Loved the character background and growth of the man we know very little about. The story really pulled me in and kept me guessing what would happen next. I’m already looking forward to the sequel!” 

 

-       Charles Whittington, Amazon reviewer

 

“The author has narrated a heart-wrenching tale of Barabbas rather beautifully. We are walking beside him throughout the story. His life was unpredictable, but it is what keeps him moving. I'm eagerly waiting for the next part.”

 

-       Amina Thajudeen, Goodreads reviewer

 

“A fascinating look into what the life of Barabbas, released in the place of Jesus, might have been like.”

 

-       Lisa Henson, Reedsy Discovery reviewer

Social Media:

Website: www.mdhouselive.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LiteraryThunder

Twitter: www.twitter.com/real_housemd

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6159412.M_D_House

 

 

Book Review: Forever my Duke by Olivia Drake

Forever my Duke, Book 2 in the Unlikely Duchesses series by Olivia Drake

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, December 31, 2019

Time and setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Forever My Duke is the second novel in a brand new Regency romance series from Olivia Drake about rakish dukes and the governesses who steal their hearts.

“I find Miss Fanshawe to be quite charming—for an American.”—The Prince Regent 

Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.

But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart. Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Forever-My-Duke-Unlikely-Duchesses-ebook/dp/B07SBQDTSZ

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-my-duke-olivia-drake

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46112572-forever-and-a-duke

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review Forever my Duke, Book 2 in the Unlikely Duchesses series, by Olivia Drake by Olivia Drake, an historical romance. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Forever my Duke is a fast-paced enjoyable reading experience. The plot is unique and doesn't follow the typical pattern for Regency romance, yet still gives a strong sense of the glittering life of the Beau Monde. 

Natalie Fanshawe’s character is an engaging heroine. She has tremendous loyalty and willing to go to any lengths for those she loves. That is proven time and again in Forever my Duke. She’s an admirable character, so I became vested in her right away. Her tender care of her charge touched my heart.

Hadrian Ames, Duke of Clayton, is the typical ducal hero. In the beginning he’s austere and appears to look down his nose at anyone beneath him. But wait, there is more to him under the surface and a great many reasons why he keeps himself separate from others. It also explains why he’s ready to take his second cousin as his betrothed. I was able to warm to his character faster than I usually do, to his type of hero.

The romance between Natalie and Clayton has plenty of spark and fire. At times, it’s a bit of a love/hate relationship, but as the story proceeds, the couple’s overwhelming attraction takes over. There’s a good bit of sexual tension threaded through this book, which is an aspect of Regency romance that most appeals to me. I found their romance satisfied that love in a strong way.

If you enjoy historical romance with strong heroes and heroines and an adorable little boy, then you like love Forever my Duke as much as I did. I’m glad I took a chance on this one. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Olivia Drake is the author of 35 romance novels. Her most recent series is called 'Unlikely Duchesses' and began with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW. The second book in the series, FOREVER MY DUKE, will be released in January 2020.

Her other series include 'Heiress in London' (SEDUCING THE HEIRESS, NEVER TRUST A ROGUE, SCANDAL OF THE YEAR) and 'The Cinderella Sisterhood' series (IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, HIS WICKED WISH, THE SCANDALOUS FLIRT).  

Olivia Drake's books have won the Golden Heart Award, Best Historical Romantic Suspense, Best Regency Historical, and the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and a pair of feisty cats. Her two daughters have flown the nest, but they still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal.

Olivia has also written under the name Barbara Dawson Smith.

Social Media:

Website: https://oliviadrake.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviadrake1

Book Review: Roseanna's Gift by Susan Lantz Simpson

Roseanna’s Gift by Susan Lantz Simpson

Publisher & Release: Zebra Books, December 31, 2019 (Paperback)

Time and setting:  Present Day, Maryland

Genre: Amish Fiction

Length: 336 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In Southern Maryland’s serene Amish country, one young woman’s life is changed by an unexpected request . . .
 
“She’s yours.” Until now, Rosanna Mast’s hopes for the future have all revolved around handsome Henry Zook. But when a young Englisch girl places her newborn daughter in Rosanna’s arms and utters those words, shock quickly turns to fierce, protective devotion. Between helping her midwife mamm and caring for her own siblings, Rosanna has plenty of experience with babies. And who wouldn’t love a sweet-natured boppli like little Mollie? Yet to her dismay, Henry has no intention of ever taking on another man’s child. Instead, it is steady, thoughtful Paul Hertzler who becomes Rosanna’s staunch supporter.
 
Paul knows he should have acted sooner on his feelings for Rosanna. Now, as her dream of adopting Mollie meets unexpected hurdles, he sees a way to help. Rosanna would do anything to keep baby Mollie—perhaps even agree to marriage. But will Rosanna continue to hold him at arm’s length, or see that he longs to offer her the love and family she deserves?

Buy Links:

Amazon EBook: https://smile.amazon.com/Rosannas-Gift-Susan-Lantz-Simpson-ebook/dp/B07RB33K9K

Amazon Paperback: https://smile.amazon.com/Rosannas-Gift-Susan-Lantz-Simpson/dp/1420149806

Barnes & Noble eBook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rosannas-gift-susan-lantz-simpson

Barnes & Noble Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rosannas-gift-susan-lantz-simpson

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46674343-rosanna-s-gift

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review Roseanna’s Gift by Susan Lantz Simpson prior to publication, a heartwarming Amish romance. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Roseanna’s Gift is an emotionally charged Amish fiction novel. The story concerns choices and decisions that could, and do, impact a young Amish girl’s future dreams of a husband and her own family. The writing flows beautifully, and Ms. Simpson gives an authentic feel for the Amish culture. The pacing is perfect flowing with the ebb and tide of the story.

Roseanna Mast’s character is endearing. When she accepts a newborn from a young Englischer who gives birth at her parents’ home, she realizes this could ruin her chances with Henry Zook, the young man she’s wanted as her husband. I could feel her torment when he does as she expects and moves on to another Amish girl in their community. I fell in love with her from the first page for her nurturing ways toward the sweet little boppli, Molly.

Paul Hertzler is the young man who steps in, offering his friendship and support. He’s such an amazing man who has loved Roseanna from afar for years. His care of for the wee little one touched my soul. I truly wanted him to win Roseanna’s heart.

This is a story of a young girl's willingness to trust in God's love to guide her in her decisions, even when faced with possible alienation from her community and the destruction of her fragile connection with the man she believes she loves. Roseanna's Gift has a beautiful message.

The romance is sweet, as in most Amish fiction, and is based on friendship and mutual respect. While it takes Roseanna’s a good bit of time before she recognizes Paul in any kind of romantic way, when she does it warmed my heart.

If you enjoy Amish fiction that has a lovely romance with engaging characters and a few twists along the way, then you will love Roseanna’s Gift as much as I did. I will definitely be looking for other books by this talented author. In fact, I’ve just downloaded the first book in this series. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully). She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She is a member of ACFW and Maryland Christian Writers Group. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.

Social Media:

Website: https://susanlantzsimpson.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Susan-Lantz-Simpson-372578556286726/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SLantzSimpson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/susanlantzsimpson/

Book Review: When Love Finds You by Virginia Wise

When Love Finds You by Virginia Wise

Publisher & Release: Zebra Books, December 31, 2019

Time and setting:  18^th Century, Pennsylvania

Genre: Historical Romance/Amish Fiction

Length: 352 Pages

Rating:  5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In the latest novel in Virginia Wise’s stirring historical saga about America's first Amish settlement, a once-privileged woman in a very different new world soon finds that hope—and love—are worth the challenge . . .
 
Scandal drove Catrina Witmer from her life as a wealthy Englischer's pampered daughter—to reluctant membership in Pennsylvania’s thriving new Amish settlement. Surprisingly, Catrina finds contentment and peace in this promising new land, though she won't risk telling anyone about her past. But the unexpected sparks between her and bashful warm-hearted farmer Eli Webber suddenly have her dreaming of an impossible chance at happiness—as his wife.
 
Eli never imagined such a spirited woman would look his way. Or that he could ever deserve her, given his own guilty mistakes. But Catrina's vivacity and kindness have him impulsively proposing. Unfortunately, his over-righteous sister, and the consequences of secrets on both sides, threaten to tear their marriage apart for good. Now Catrina and Eli must try forgiving themselves and finding strength in their bond if they are to have a joyous future together . . . 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q3NMTX1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-love-finds-you-virginia-wise

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44768247-when-love-finds-you

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks Goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review When Love Finds You by Virginia Wise in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

When Love Finds You is a beautiful romance with heartfelt characters and a plot that touched me greatly. The writing flows beautifully and Ms. Wise gives the reader the right amount of information concerning the environment and characterization of the Amish to add authenticity to this book.

Catrina Witmer’s character grew up Englisch, and the pampered daughter of a Philadelphia merchant. She leaves under a cloud of scandal and goes with her grandparents to a thriving Amish settlement. She wants a chance to start over where no one knows what happened. I could feel her fear that her new life would disappear if anyone finds out what happened. I liked her character a great deal. I’m a firm believer in second chances.

Eli Webber is a wonderful hero. He’s a humble man, and not gorgeous, which is a breath of fresh air since in most romance novels, the hero is. He’s not the typical Amish man. He’s a weaver, not a farmer and is fairly clueless about establishing a homestead on the edge of the wilderness. He’s devoted to his sister, who definitely see the glass half empty. His patience with her is amazing!

The romance between Catrina and Eli is sweet and develops slowly yet is very satisfying. I love the innocence in Amish romances. A relationship between them is not based on physical attraction, but on the substance of the characters. As I enter my golden years, I understand that is so much more important than physical appearance. I really wanted to see Catrina and Eli find their happy ending!

If you enjoy novels with engaging characters and a heartwarming romance, then you will love When Love Finds You. I loved the spiritual message in this book, and I have to read the first novel in this series. Happy reading!

Author’s Notes:

Thanks goes to Virginia Wise for approving the inclusion of some of her research.

When did the Amish come to America?  Why did they risk everything to start a new life in a strange land?

The Amish trace their history back to the 16^thcentury Protestant Reformation, when the European Anabaptist movement began.  Two foundational beliefs set Anabaptists apart from other reformers: adult baptism and a “Free Church,” with no government interference. 

Considered radicals and heretics, the Amish were persecuted for their beliefs by both Catholics and Protestants.  They were hunted down and imprisoned, tortured, burned  at the stake, and exiled. 

In the aftermath of persecution, the Amish looked to the New World for refuge.  The first major wave of Amish immigration took place in 1737, when the Charming Nancy sailed into Philadelphia with 21 hopeful families. 

These Amish pioneers settled on the Pennsylvania frontier to scratch out a living from an untamed wilderness.  More families followed and formed farming communities in  what would eventually become known as Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. Another, larger wave of Amish immigrants arrived in the early to mid-19^thcentury. Many of these  families settled in the Midwest, New York State, and Ontario.

Today, the Old Order Amish have disappeared from Europe completely.  But, their North American communities continue to thrive and grow!

Germanic Roots

The first Amish settlers in America hailed from Germany and Switzerland.  They brought their language and customs with them in addition to their religious beliefs.  Their dialect of German evolved over the years, developing into the Pennsylvania Dutch spoken today.  In this case, the word “Dutch” does not refer to people from the Netherlands.  Instead, it is a corruption of the German word “Deutsche,” which means German.         

Author Bio:

After Virginia’s oldest son left for college and her youngest son began high school, she finally had time to pursue her dream of writing novels. Virginia dusted off the keyboard she once used as a magazine editor and journalist to create a world that combines her love of romance, history, and Plain living.

Her Amish New World series takes readers on a journey into the 18th century Pennsylvania wilderness and the pioneering days of the first American Amish. Each carefully researched novel brings a bygone era to life and connects readers to this forgotten time by weaving familiar Amish romances into an historic frontier setting.

Virginia Wise's favorite pastimes include wandering Lancaster County’s Amish country and exploring history museums that inspire her stories and help her connect readers with the past. When she’s not writing, Virginia enjoys painting and taking long walks in the woods.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.virginiawisebooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaWiseBooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmishNewWorld

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiawisebooks/

After Virginia’s oldest son left for college and her youngest son began high school, she finally had time to pursue her dream of writing novels. Virginia dusted off the keyboard she once used as a magazine editor and journalist to create a world that combines her love of romance, history, living.

Her Amish New World series takes readers on a journey into the 18th century Pennsylvania wilderness and the pioneering days of the first American Amish. Each wandering Lancaster County’s Amish country and exploring history museums that inspire her stories and help her connect readers with the past. When she’s not wr